I love Melbourne. I really do. A short trip (and by short I mean a few hours) to Sydney recently reiterated to me how much I love Melbourne. There is no other city in the world like it – not that I have been everywhere – but I’m pretty sure. Trust me.

Last weekend I had the pleasure of getting to know my city a little more intimately. Like a child playing a game, in this case Hide and Seek, we explored the hidden treasures of the CBD and discovered new wonders and places to frequent.

Our journey began at Federation Square – a Melbourne icon – with a journey of a different kind. Pastries. T. Cavallaro & sons provided cannoli to send you to the moon and back – and almond biscuits to die for the gluten intolerant (me) – to energised us for the afternoon ahead.

Neill Martin Shoe Shine then got us off to a fashionable start. While usually residing at 101 Collins Street, Neill buffed until we could see our reflection in our footwear before sending us on our merry way to the Nicholson building, where we all know from experience many treasures await.

This visit was for Buttonmania and Kimono House, unique stores specialising in rare interests, namely, buttons and kimonos.  Did you know buttons are the 4th most collected item in the world? Or that there is 12m of fabric in an adult kimono? 

Our walkabout continues to Zoologie in Manchester Lane, a location known for its creativity, where Melbourne design is at its best, followed by the Design Dispensary, where worldwide design is at its best. I saw gifts for friends for the next 5 years and picked up a handy map of Paris that you can crush. Yep, it’s on fabric. Cool, huh!

A long day walking the streets needs sustenance and we paused at Streat for a caffeine pit stop. Streat supports kids with a cause, similar to the popular Jamie Oliver concept, Fifteen. 

Finally we headed to Denmark Houses’ Dansk Restaurant where the schnapps didn’t go down so well but the smushi was just the perfect end to a pretty fabulous afternoon of Melbourne.

Now it’s your turn. The Hide and Seek books – Hit The Streets, Treasure Trove, Feeling Peckish and Night Owl – are designed to show Melbournians and visitors alike the coolest new places to visit, eat, drink, play and explore. Between them, these books just about fill your diary for the next few months so grab a friend and try something different today.

Available all over and wherever good books are sold.

T Cavallaro & Sons – for delightful cannoli and amazing almond delights
98 Hopkins Street, Footscray
(03) 9687 4638

Buttonmania – 100 year old button machine and Collette Dinnigan buttons. Say hi to Kate!
Level 2, Nicholson Building, 37 Swanston Street, Melbourne
(03) 9650 3627

Kimono House – A passion for Kimono and workshops you can enjoy
Room 7, Level 2, Nicholson Building, 37 Swanston Street, Melbourne
(03) 9639 0565

Zoologie – Shop til you drop. And then some more
14 Manchester Lane, Melbourne
(03) 9639 8848

Spellbox: The Witch’s House – Kooky but Cool
Level 2, 387 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
(03) 9670 2668

Design Dispensary – A favourite, I will be back! Puts Ikea to shame!
322 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
(03) 9670 7221

STREAT – Coffee for a cause
Federation Sq, cnr Swanston and Flinders Streets, Melbourne
Melbourne Central Shopping Complex, Melbourne
(03) 9629 4222

Dansk Restaurant, Denmark House
Level 3, 428 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
(03) 9600 4477

Find all these and more in the Hide and Seek Books (Melbourne series)…
– Hit the Streets
– Treasure Trove
– Feeling Peckish
– Night Owl
… and find your own hidden treasures in the city and surrounds!

The Hide & Seek guidebook series is all about discovering hidden, unique and welcoming places.
Attend the Launch Event!

 To celebrate the launch of the four new Hide & Seek Melbourne guidebooks ‘Feeling Peckish?,’ ‘Treasure Trove,’ ‘Night Owl’ and ‘Hit the Streets’, a launch event is being held on Tuesday 1 March 6pm to 9pm and you are invited!

The function will take place at 24 Moons at (AC/DC Lane (off Flinders Lane), Melbourne) and costs $20 for all advanced ticket sales (before Monday 28th February at 4pm, $30 for ticket sales on the night).

You’ll get a goodie bag containing a free copy of one of the four books (your choice), a complimentary cocktail, finger food and the chance to win prizes straight out of the various Melbourne locations featured in the Hide & Seek books!

Visit www.hideseek.com.au to purchase a ticket and more information!